St George volunteers serve 40 years of meals

Volunteers praised for dedication to Meals on Wheels

DISHING UP GOOD FOOD: St George Meals on Wheels volunteers

FOR 40 years the local branch of Meals on Wheels has been feeding St George residents in need of a little extra help.

Serving up to 20 clients a week, the organisation delivers meals three days a week for new mothers, carers, and the elderly.

Chairwoman Robyn Fuhrmeister has been with her local branch for nearly 20 years, and said the flexibility it offered was what people responded to.

"It gives people independence and it allows them to stay in their homes longer.

"It offers flexibility for them to stay living locally in their homes, and to feel the security of knowing they will have meals delivered to their doors.”

Providing meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 15 volunteers give their time and their vehicles to aiding their neighbours.

"It's a huge gift back to our community from these people to provide and deliver meals to the clients at home.”

Ms Fuhrmeister believes the organisation has survived for so long because people are committed to assisting the community.

"The need is still there.

"We're very lucky to live in St George, where people understand what community spirit is about and are more than ready to give,” she said.

Although the organisation delivers only to St George, residents from the greater Balonne region are able to access the service, by collecting bulk frozen meals from the St George Hospital.

"We can provide them bulk meals to get them through,” Ms Fuhrmeister said.

Statewide Meals on Wheels has more than 15,000 volunteers, delivering two million meals yearly over 10,000 people.

Originally published as St George volunteers serve 40 years of meals